Slipstream - June 2010

Tech Corner
by Ed Mullenix
The Tops and Dogs tech session
was a huge success. We had
25 cars show up, 22 of which
had convertible tops. This was an interactive
tech session. I started things off by
demonstrating how to apply painters tape
to the edges of the plastic rear window and
then apply a paper barrier. Plastic sheeting
was draped on the front, rear, and windows. After proper
masking, the top preservative spray was applied according to
Porsche recommendations.
After watching how to do it, everyone pitched in and we
tag-teamed the masking, draping, and spraying. The first car
required about 25 minutes or so to complete. By the time we
got to the last round of cars (we were treating four at a time), we
had it down to less than ten minutes per car. The top treatment
is one of those tasks that you know needs to be done, but like
cleaning the garage, you try to put off as long as possible.
We all had a great time doing something that otherwise
would not have been all that entertaining. There was much
conversing, admiring each other’s cars, and camaraderie. There
were several spouses in attendance enjoying their time together
as they coalesced together and engaged in conversation. Not
Tops & Dogs
sure if they were praising our efforts or criticizing our obsession
with our cars.
While we were busy treating tops, my bride Donna
was busy tending the grill. She is from Wisconsin, where
apparently they don’t care for, own, or tolerate gas grills. I
dragged our Weber and necessary supplies down to the shop.
We had food that started with “B” (brats, burgers, beans, and
beer) and surprisingly there were no leftovers! The timing of
the top treatment is arbitrary.
It probably should be done prior to the summer, when the
UV index is greatest the top spray not only protects against
rain, it also acts like “sunscreen.” Not sure how many of you
are art aficionados, but next year, we might try to have the tech
session on the same weekend as the Cottonwood Art Festival.
We could spray our tops in the morning, and check out the
offerings at Cottonwood in the afternoon. Just a thought, let
me know what you think. Several members were excited about
the inter-active tech session. They wanted to know if the club
was planning any more tech sessions like this one. I invite your
ideas on what we could do on a future DIY tech session.
We all had a wonderful time. It’s not our fantastic cars, it’s
the people that make our club so enjoyable!
Ed
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